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How to secure your customers' digital trust

OVERVIEW

Security as an enabler of tangible business outcomes

Cyber threats today take many forms, from “lone wolves” to highly organized teams-for-hire capable of breaching the most sophisticated defense systems to target personal, corporate or state secrets.

To keep pace, organizations must re-think the very nature of cybersecurity, embracing a holistic approach where security is an integral part of a business model that includes risk management and the development of digital trust on an ongoing basis.

In March 2016, Accenture and HfS Research surveyed more than 200 enterprise security professionals, seeking insights on how cybersecurity threats are perceived and managed, as well as what needs improvement.

INFOGRAPHIC

THE STATE OF CYBER THREATS

Significant and Diverse

The "state of the art" in cyber defense is evolving as digital technologies proliferate and professional threat actors increase.

Many threats to data come from within
2 out of 3 respondents reported experiencing data theft or corruption from within their organizations.

External threats are a rising concern
For almost half (48 percent) of respondents, organized teams of professionals and organized crime will be the external threats of most concern.

Digital transformation is having a major impact
Half of respondents said digital initiatives are having a strong or critical impact on data security.

Customer-facing initiatives require strong security
The business goals identified as most vulnerable to data security gaps were brand reputation (43 percent of respondents) and customer support (37 percent).

Threats are increasing
The most significant expected increase was a 62 percent hike in data theft or corruption of corporate information by insiders.

Five cybersecurity gaps undermining digital trust

REAL EYE-OPENERS

Survey feedback revealed five gaps in enterprise security:

Among the most eye-opening findings were respondents´ perceptions of executive management's attitude toward security, skills and funding.

For example,

69%

of enterprise security professionals said they have experienced the theft or corruption of company information by insiders. This trend is expected to continue, with nearly half of all respondents indicating they are either “strongly” or “critically” concerned with insider data theft or corruption in the coming 18 months.

CULTURE OF CYBERSECURITY AWARENESS

CRITICAL ROLE OF LEADERSHIP

The future of the digital enterprise depends on the ability of security professionals, working in tandem with every other aspect of the business, to foster a culture of security that enables a state of digital trust.

Security professionals are seeking help from executive management to promote awareness throughout the extended enterprise. Executives must collaborate with security operations to develop a holistic response that closes the five gaps identified in our research, making the business more resilient and better able to grow confidently in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.

Leadership also plays a critical role in fostering an enterprise mindset focused on both corporate and personal data responsibility and security. Without such leadership, digital trust for the enterprise brand may be severely undermined.

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